The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, taught Muslims to show mercy toward one another and toward all creation. These teachings highlight mercy as an important moral quality and a foundation for good conduct.
Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet said:
“Mercy is not removed except from one who is wretched.”
The saying emphasizes the importance of compassion and tenderness of the heart and warns against developing a harsh attitude toward others.
A Hadith About Mercy and Good Deeds
Another reported narration states:
“Seek goodness from the compassionate among my community, and live in their company. Do not seek it from those whose hearts are hard...”
The narration highlights the relationship between mercy and good deeds and describes people of goodness as those who contribute to the well-being of others.
Ali Gomaa on Mercy and Tenderness of the Heart
Dr. Ali Gomaa, a member of Al-Azhar’s Council of Senior Scholars, explained that mercy is associated with tenderness of the heart.
According to his explanation, a compassionate heart encourages a person to do good, help others and respond to suffering with kindness, while hardness of the heart is a quality that a believer should guard against.
Mercy Toward Animals in Islamic History
The concept of mercy was not limited to human beings. It also extended to animals and birds.
Historical examples include endowments established to provide water and food for animals, including stray dogs and horses that could no longer work.
There were also forms of charitable endowments dedicated to caring for sick or elderly animals and providing them with food and attention.
These examples demonstrate how compassion could be transformed from a moral principle into organized social practices designed to protect vulnerable creatures.
Mercy in Public Facilities and Community Life
Mercy also appeared in the design and use of public facilities. Some Islamic institutions included services intended to benefit people, animals and birds.
Examples mentioned by Ali Gomaa include public water fountains for passersby, water basins for animals and endowments used to purchase grain and distribute it to birds.
Such practices illustrate how mercy could become a practical part of community life rather than remaining only an abstract moral teaching.
Mercy as a Comprehensive Islamic Value
Mercy in Islam extends beyond relationships between people. It also encompasses animals, birds and other living creatures.
It can appear through kind words, helping those in need, caring for the vulnerable, feeding the hungry, providing water to the thirsty and treating animals with kindness.
When these values are practiced consistently, mercy becomes a practical force that strengthens solidarity, generosity and care within society.
What hadith speaks about mercy?
One reported hadith states: “Mercy is not removed except from one who is wretched.”
What did Ali Gomaa say about mercy?
Ali Gomaa explained that mercy is connected with tenderness of the heart and that hardness of the heart is a quality a believer should guard against.
Does Islamic mercy include animals?
Yes. Islamic teachings on mercy extend to animals and birds, including feeding, providing water and caring for them.
How was mercy toward animals practiced historically?
Examples include charitable endowments dedicated to feeding, watering and caring for animals that were sick, elderly or without owners.
What is the social impact of mercy?
Mercy encourages kindness, cooperation, generosity and care for vulnerable people and creatures, turning moral teachings into practical behavior.
